Our view: Sonny Gray earned the support of hometown

Each Monday, The Daily News Journal uses this space to say thank you and congratulations to those who work to make our community a better place.

Way to go, Sonny

From Smyrna High to Vanderbilt and now the Oakland A's we've seen Sonny Gray grow up. This past week we watched and listen as Gray picked up his first Major League Baseball victory.

Gray pitched eight innings, striking out nine batters in picking up a win in his home debut.

The victory came days after Gray made his first start in Toronto, pitching well there despite picking up the loss.

Gray was a winner during his time at Smyrna, winning back-to-back Class 5A state championships as the Bulldogs' starting quarterback. He later helped lead the school to the Class AAA state baseball tournament. And at Vanderbilt, he helped lead the Commodores to their first College World Series.

Congrats to Gray for living his dream. The entire Rutherford County community continues to be proud and root for you.

McFadden abuzz with learning, thanks to teacher and beekeepers

Thanks to the Rutherford County Beekeepers Association and McFadden School of Excellence teacher Christa Campbell for giving students a unique opportunity to watch science in action on a daily basis.

Because of a grant from the Business Education Partnership, Campbell was able to convert an unused chemistry hood in a former middle school classroom into an active honeybee hive. The bees were raised by her father-in-law, Earl Campbell, while the hive was built by Robert Burns, both members of the local beekeeping group.

Each day students arrive at school, they get a chance to see something many of their peers, and possibly adults, may never see. Biology unfolds before their very eyes, giving them the ability to apply it to various math lessons, such as geometry. We're glad to see educational and community partnerships being developed in such a way.

RCSO, Masons busy helping seniors

We appreciate the generosity of Mount Moriah Masonic Lodge, which donated $895 to help volunteers with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office assist older residents with home security systems.

The donation is going to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Senior Citizens Awareness Network. Volunteers involved in the program visit residents age 55 and older to provide safety and security checks and install smoke detectors, change light bulbs, help register for Meals on Wheels and link the senior citizen to community services.

It's a wonderful service and we thank all of those involved.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Our view: Sonny Gray earned the support of hometown

From Smyrna High to Vanderbilt and now the Oakland A's we've seen Sonny Gray grow up. This past week we watched and listen as Gray picked up his first Major League Baseball victory.